pakistan’s challenge with rice-water, an urgent issue
Published on: May 13, 2024.
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Pakistan Struggles to Balance Rice Exports and Dwindling Water Resources
Pakistan is faced with a difficult challenge as it aims to increase its rice exports to address the country’s current account deficit while also dealing with the issue of declining water resources needed for the water-intensive rice crop. Over the years, the area dedicated to rice cultivation has grown by 40%, from 2.57 million hectares to 3.62 million hectares. In the same period, total rice production has surged by 46%, from 6.2 million tonnes to 9 million tonnes.
However, the expansion of rice cultivation is outpacing the available surface water, which is diminishing due to dam sedimentation. This has led to excessive groundwater extraction and a continual drop in the water table. To compound the problem, the government’s flat-rate tariff for tube wells and the recent transition to solar-powered tube wells have encouraged unchecked groundwater pumping, further depleting the groundwater resources.
The government has recognized the need to address this issue and has attempted to discourage rice cultivation by imposing higher canal water charges on rice farmers. However, Pakistan’s unsustainable usage of groundwater remains a concern and poses a threat to the environment.
Managing Water Resources and Expanding Rice Exports
To reconcile the conflicting priorities of managing water resources and expanding rice exports, Pakistan should focus on short and medium-term water management strategies. Enhancing water storage capacity through the construction of dams is a vital long-term solution. However, in the meantime, it is crucial to effectively manage existing water resources through the reduction of water conveyance losses, improved water-use efficiency, enhanced crop water productivity, and groundwater recharge.
Improving water-use efficiency and productivity in rice fields can be achieved through the use of laser land levellers, adoption of short-duration rice varieties, and greater usage of high-yielding hybrid varieties. Currently, water usage in rice cultivation is excessive, ranging from 1,200mm to 2,000mm, significantly surpassing the crop’s actual water requirements of about 700mm. These inefficiencies can be addressed through water-saving and eco-friendly rice production practices.
While the government has attempted to promote water-saving techniques such as direct seeded rice (DSR) and bed planting, these methods have resulted in lower crop yields. The country can learn from international best-practices and success stories to improve the knowledge and skills of its farmers and achieve sustainable rice production.
In addition to improving water-use efficiency, groundwater recharge should be prioritized. Rainwater harvesting can effectively replenish underground aquifers and reduce the risk of flooding during the monsoon season. Unfortunately, groundwater recharge has been neglected in Pakistan, and a significant amount of rainwater goes to waste.
The Impacts of Rice Exports
Rice exports play a crucial role in reducing Pakistan’s trade deficit. However, they also have significant environmental consequences, as each kilogram of rice exported carries approximately 4,500 liters of embedded water. Pakistan’s record rice exports in FY24 were largely a result of India’s ban on non-basmati rice exports. The future sustainability of such high export volumes remains uncertain.
To mitigate the risk of overproduction and market glut, strategies should be in place to ensure sustainable rice farming practices. It is essential to strike a balance between increasing rice exports and protecting the interests of rice farmers.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s rice exports face the challenge of dwindling water resources. While expanding rice cultivation has contributed to increased production, it has also put a strain on surface water and led to excessive groundwater extraction. The country must prioritize effective water management strategies, improve water-use efficiency, and promote sustainable rice production practices to support its export goals. By addressing these challenges, Pakistan can safeguard its economy and the environment for future generations.
Source: Dawn
